Vietnam Today

Quang Ninh counting the cost

Fatalities reach 17 with six people missing and business and industry report $126.8 million in damage from worst floods to hit northern Quang Ninh province in 40 years.

by Hoai An

Quang Ninh had suffered flood damage totaling VND2.7 trillion ($126.8 million) by August 3 and all manufacturing activities and business operations had ceased, according to the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee. The coal sector was the hardest hit, recording losses of VND1.2 trillion ($56.3 million).

The Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Holding Corporation (Vinacomin) has recorded losses of VND1.1 trillion ($51.6 million), with mines such as Nga Hai, Mong Duong and Cai Da being flooded and infrastructure seriously damaged. Coal storage areas were damaged, with a loss of some 10,000 tons of coal. Many businesses in Hon Gai and Cam Pham stopped production and are unlikely to resume in the immediate future.

The damage to the coal industry has also affected thermal power plants around the country. Last week Vinacomin held an emergency meeting with Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), where it said that within four or five days it should resume 30 - 50 per cent of production.

Floods also led to the damage of many roads and embankments in the province. The transport sector has estimated losses at around VND250 billion ($11.7 million). The electricity sector saw 248 electricity power substations dealing with difficulties. The D800 pipeline, which delivers clean water to Cam Pha and Ha Long city, has been disrupted. Nearly 10,000 homes in Quang Ninh have collapsed completely and nearly 1,200 hectares of aquaculture and 4,000 ha of rice and vegetables are underwater.

The People’s Committee also forecast that the damage estimates will almost certainly increase as the floods are yet to recede.

In the coming days Quang Ninh will focus on checking areas at risk from landslides and floods, relocating households away from dangerous areas and arranging temporary shelter. The Quang Ninh Clean Water Joint Stock Company has been assigned to fix the D800 pipeline. Food is being distributed to residents by the province and the Ministry of Industry and Trade has said it will take steps to keep supplies coming and tackle any unfair price increases.

This is the biggest flood in the area for 40 years, with rain continuing to fall since July 25. Seventeen people have been killed and six remain missing.